The air freshened and the clouds twirled closer together. A seagull landed on a nearby rock and squawked loudly. The sun played hide and seek as we wondered which would win. For a few minutes the world disappeared in a damp, grey mass and we felt bereft …

Then, just as quickly, the sun returned, the sky turned peacock blue and the seagull shook its wings and flew away to play on the thermals. Below us spread the most dramatic scenery in Wales; craggy mountains, grass-covered slopes, river valleys, glittering lakes and in the far distance a golden eyebrow of beach beside the sea. I was finally on the top of Snowdon, at 1,085 metres the highest mountain in Wales and somewhere I had wanted to get to for many years.

View from the top of Snowdon

Twice before I’d attempted it. The first time many years ago, as a school teacher taking a group of school children on a hike up the mountain. Sharon, a feisty young girl, had an accident on the Miner’s Track and I had to accompany her back down to Llanberis. The second time, my boyfriend and I drove all the way from the Midlands, turned up at the Snowdon Mountain Railway ticket office to be told that the it was too windy and the trains were cancelled. This time I was on a tour with Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries and we were having the best weather imaginable.

Our group had been driven by coach to Llanberis from Llandudno on the North Wales coast and got one of the earliest trains up the mountain. One of the pleasures of being on a tour is having all the organisation done for you; no queueing, tickets in hand and no hassle. For the train buffs amongst you, the Snowdon Mountain Railway is narrow gauge, 4.7miles long and is Britain’s only public rack and pinion railway. It started in 1896 and has been operating ever since, taking millions of tourists to the peak of one of the loveliest mountains in the British Isles.

Our train was pushed by illustrious steam engine Wyddfa (Welsh for Snowdon), built in 1895 and still going strong. I had a chat with Stoker Paul, who explained that the engine originated in Switzerland (the Swiss know a thing or two about mountain railways) and pushes the train UP the mountain via the rack and pinion system. There was a great feeling of anticipation as we chugged out of Llanberis Station, over a river, past a slick of waterfall and through ancient oak woods. ‘Sir Richard Moon built his railway knowing that the journey his little trains would make, would offer us a magical panorama, that until then, had only been available to the intrepid climber.’ (From the excellent Snowdon Mountain Railway Souvenir Brochure)

Wyddfa steam engine

As we slowly emerged into a more barren landscape, in the distance peeked the summit of Snowdon. We couldn’t believe how lucky we were as the sun shone and there was not a rain cloud to be seen. A couple opposite me said the last time they’d been, 23 years ago, the weather had been very different. “But, even on such a drizzly, windy day, we got glimpses of the amazing scenery and loved it. We had to come back but didn’t really expect it to such glorious weather.” We climbed higher at a steady pace, occasionally running parallel with walking paths where hardy hikers made their way up and down the mountain. We got close up to mighty rocks that would give geographers a huge thrill. Overhead a bird of prey checked out the land; maybe a peregrine falcon?

View from the carriage window

I spotted the ruins of some stone huts, apparently the remains of one of the oldest settlements in Wales. We stopped at appropriately named Halfway Station (500m above sea level) where we filled up with water and another steam train passed us on its downward journey. We waved at the passengers in the carriages opposite. Everyone had big smiles’ this is the sort of trip you’d have to be a very miserable git not to enjoy. The Llanberris Pass was clearly visible far below in what is known as the Cwm Hetia, Valley of the Hats. To our right, enormous curved mountains loomed past and we got superb views of many lakes, rivers and hills out towards the Lleyn Peninsula and over to Anglesey.

Engine 11 Peris at the top of Snowdon Mountain Railway

The steepest part of the track is before the summit and the our trusty engine chuffed out more smoke as it bravely pushed its heavy cargo of carriages up and round the corner to the Snowdon Summit Visitors Centre. We stepped down from our carriage, through the cafe and gift shop and out the back of the centre, up to the rocky point which is the actual summit of Snowdon, 1085m. There must be very few mountains that have such a perfectly formed point, enabling so many people to reach the top, get their souvenir photo and enjoy the breathtaking scenery all around. We’d made it, on a unique, never-to-be-forgotten railway journey to the top of Wales …

On top of Snowdon

Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries Steam Train Tours

I travelled to North Wales courtesy of Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries. Our group stayed in Llandudno at the very comfortable Dunoon Hotel, with superb food in charming surroundings. We also had an excellent Italian meal at the Wildwood Restaurant in the town centre. We had a great time travelling on four steam railways in the area, including the splendid Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Our group at Llanberis Station

Great Rail JourneysRailways & Castles of WalesTourincludes a stay at the award-winning Dunoon Hotel, journeys on the Welsh Highland, Ffestiniog and Snowdon Mountain Railways plus excursions to Portmeirion Village and Caernarfon and Conwy Castles. GRJ Independent can also tailor make holidays to the region for those wishing to travel to Wales on an individual basis.

Rail DiscoveriesRailways of WalesTourincludes a stay at the Kensington Hotel, journeys on the Welsh Highland, Ffestiniog and Llangollen Railways, a horse-drawn boat trip on the Llangollen Canal, and excursions to Portmeirion Village and Caernarfon Castle. Read about our four Steam Train rides in North Wales here.

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“Now that is one sexy-looking car.” This was the reaction from one of my best friends to the vehicle I rocked up in to take her out. The brand new Ford Fiesta has film-star good looks, which is not something I was expecting when I agreed to test-drive it for a week. To be honest, apart from a couple of hire cars, I hadn’t driven a Ford since my bright orange Ford Escort in the 1980s. But as soon as I saw this vehicle, I was hooked. Its sleek lines, metallic finish, high-spec features and even the cycle rack on the roof, shouted ‘come try me’.

The Ford Fiesta overlooking Morecambe Bay

Over the following week, I drove over 400 miles from Carnforth in Lancashire to Cockermouth in north Cumbria, to Sunderland Point, the quaint little peninsula on Morecambe Bay, Bowness-on-Windermere and Grasmere. The car handles really well and I fell completely in love. OK, I currently drive an old Honda Jazz so (almost) any new car is an improvement, but I do a lot of mileage in my job as a travel writer and business coach and I am fussy what I drive. My son, definitely not easily impressed, thought it was great, and was almost as sorry as I was when I had to hand it back.

Ford SYNC 3 Voice-Control and Touch-Screen technology to control phone, music and navigation

Bang & Olufsen B&O PLAY 675-watt audio system with 10-speaker, woofer and subwoofer

Ford Fiesta Blackwell Arts and Crafts House overlooking Windermere

There are many more features as standard and optional. I had the 1.5 litre TDCi engine which gives a very impressive performance and fuel economy. Driving along the motorway and country lanes, up fells and along the coast, I got an average of 56mpg and if I’d used the Eco-Button it would have been even more efficient. It’s got keyless ignition and when the car was idling in a queue, the Auto Start-Stop technology switched off the engine while still supplying power to essentials like the headlights, air-conditioning and the audio system. A light touch on the clutch got it going in nano-seconds. With its new six-speed manual transmission and electronic torque vectoring control (whatever that is) it gives a fast, smooth drive with tight cornering a decent turning circle.

Ford Fiesta at Sunderland Point

My Fiesta was the 5 door model and had loads of space in the front and a larger rear seating than many similar cars. The seats are very comfortable; I have a dodgy back but the driver’s seat was easy to adjust, which isn’t always the case. My son’s 6′ 3″ and had plenty of legroom, though if you were sitting behind him you’d have a bit of a squeeze! The Fiesta is often described as a ‘Super-Mini’ but it would easily take a group of four, or five a push. There’s no compromise in the boot: it’s got depth and height so plenty of room for shopping bags, walking boots, jacket and the other paraphernalia that I manage to fill my car with. Watch this video to find out more.

5-Star Ford Fiesta

For its technological features, quality build, attractive appearance including its grey metallic finish (Magnetic), sleek lines and comfort I give the all-new Ford Fiesta 5 stars. Many thanks for Pye Motors for lending me the car. I wasn’t paid for this assignment and all views are my own. Contact them for more details on the Ford Fiesta and to arrange a test drive – hopefully you’ll love it too. Now, who wants to buy an old Honda Jazz? I’ve got my sights set on a much sexier beast …

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Four steam trains in three days – what a treat. I was on on a very special trip to experience the delights of North Wales Heritage railways, sampling itineraries from specialist railway tour operators Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries.

Ffestiniog Railway

Engine driver Paul on Merddin Emrys

The heat is overwhelming. There’s a smell of coal dust, hot metal and sea-salt. Steam hisses and a seagull squawks overhead. Adults ready their cameras, children giggle with excitement and the sense of anticipation builds. “Keep right in to the side there and watch that pipe; it’s boiling hot and will give you a nasty burn if you touch it.” Engine driver Paul ensures I’m ensconced in my tiny corner of the cabin, gives a brief nod to stoker Andrew, a piercing whistle shrieks across the river estuary out to sea, there’s a chuff-chuffing from the steam train and we are on our way.

View from inside Ffestiniog Raliway steam engine cab

I’m on the very splendid Merddin Emrys, a push-me pull-youDouble Fairlie locomotive built in 1879, on the Ffestiniog Railway, fulfilling a life-long dream to travel on the footplate of a steam train. The Festiniog Railway Company, in North Wales, is the oldest surviving railway company in the world. It opened in 1836 to take slate from the quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog for export around the globe. We used to holiday in nearby Llandudno and I remember seeing the little train chugging along the track and wishing we could go on it … and now I’m finally here.

Minffordd Station

The train slowly gathers speed as we pass fields of sheep and quaint cottages. People wave as we rumble through Boston Lodge and cows stop grazing to gaze at us as we steam by. At Minffordd, where we pass another steam train going in the opposite direction, I have to leave the engine and join the other passengers in one of the lovely old wooden carriages. We slowly start the steep climb into the mountains where the scenery becomes wilder through the glorious Snowdonia National Park. Sunlight glimmers through wooded groves and we disappear into a tunnel before doing a loop-the-loop at the Dduallt Spiral.

Bara Brith and Welsh Cakes

Afternoon tea arrives; a plate of local Welsh Cakes and Bara Brith (fruit loaf) are most welcome. Against railway rules I put my head out of carriage window and watch the steam train puff its way round the curve of the narrow-gauge track. The sight and sound of this sturdy little engine brings back many memories of childhood and a world where time seemed to go at a much slower pace. We arrive at Blaenau Ffestiniog Station and we have a quick look at the brand new, very luxurious, Pullman Observation Carriage, with beautiful wood panelling and maps of the railway route carved onto the tables. On the platform we watch as Paul and Andrew jump on top of the engine to check it and fill it with water.

With its twin funnels and gleaming red livery, Merddin Emrys is a fine example of a Victorian steam train and I feel privileged to have spent some time in its company.

Welsh Highland Railway

Welsh Highland Railway steam train

We had started the day in castle-dominated Caernarvon, boarding the Welsh Highland Railway, UK’s longest heritage railway, that took us inland, past the foot of Snowdon and on to the pretty village of Beddgelert. Our train was pulled by a mighty fine black locomotive, NG/G16 No.87, built in 1937, originally used in South Africa and rebuilt in the Ffestiniog Railway’s own Boston Lodge Works. En route we got superb views out towards the Lleyn Peninsula, beside old slate mines and tiny railway stations, past lakes emerging from steamy windows, near rushing waterfalls and on up into the mountains.

View from our railway carriage

Clare, our very informative host from Ffestiniog Railway Company, outlined our route on the map and gave us some facts and figures about the company and its rolling stock. Well-equipped walkers got off at one of the halts to hike up Wales’ highest peak.

Welsh Highland Railway route

As we crossed the impressive Glan-yr-afon Viaduct I gazed up towards the summit of Snowdon, shrouded in mist. This stretch of the track is one of the steepest gradients in Britain, 1-40 and we snaked our way back down through the forest toward Beddgelert, Snowdon playing hide and seek along the way.

Welsh Highland Railway steam train

As we disembarked in Beddgelert, the rain arrived, not so unusual in this part of Wales. However, by the time we’d got our coach to the quirky village of Portmeirion it had stopped and the sun was peaking out again.

Llangollen Railway

Llangollen Railway Station and Steam engine 80072

The following day we headed off into the valleys for a ride on the Llangollen Railway, the only standard-gauge heritage railway in Wales. As with many other railway lines, this was originally built for the mining industry, but Llangollen has been a tourist destination for many years. It’s a very attractive town on the River Dee and the railway is its biggest attraction. The quaint Station Building sets the scene with old suitcases piled on the platform and uniformed guards, drivers and other staff bustling about making sure everyone gets aboard in time for departure. We had a reserved carriage all to ourselves again, with scones, jam and cream laid out on crisp white linen – very civilized. The velvet-upholstered seats and lacquered wood panelling all conspired to give that feeling of nostalgia for rail travel in stylish luxury.

Reserved Carriage

We were being pulled by beautifully restored locomotive 80072, built in Brighton in 1953 to run on the south coast, but left to rot for many years after the Beeching cuts of the 1965, which is when the Llangollen Railway also closed for main-line travel. There are few transport sounds more evocative than the huffing of an engine as it builds up steam on its way out of a station. We got that experience a number of times as there were a three stops along the line, which runs beside the sparkling River Dee, to Corwen. The return journey was equally delightful and everyone thoroughly enjoyed our very special steam train journey.

Llangollen Railway steam train

After lunch we went on a leisurely glide along the Langollen Canal on a horse-drawn boat – perfect end to a perfect day.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Wyddfa

On our final morning we set off early to get the 9.30am Snowdon Mountain Railway steam train from LlanberisUp the Mountain. We went up and down in glorious sunshine, pushed up by Wyddfa, a Swiss-built engine from 1893, driven by Paul and stoker Robert. It was a truly epic journey – watch out for the story in another article …

Top of Snowdon with Mountain Railway train

Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries Steam Train Tours

I travelled to North Wales courtesy of Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries. Our group stayed in Llandudno at the very comfortable Dunoon Hotel, with superb food in charming surroundings. We also had an excellent Italian meal at the Wildwood Restaurant in the town centre.

Our group at Dunoon Hotel

Great Rail JourneysRailways & Castles of WalesTour includes a stay at the award-winning Dunoon Hotel, journeys on the Welsh Highland, Ffestiniog and Snowdon Mountain Railways, and excursions to Portmeirion Village and Caernarfon and Conwy Castles. GRJ Independent can also tailor make holidays to the region for those wishing to travel to Wales on an individual basis Save up to £30pp when booking on or before 15th August 2017.More details Railways and Castles of Wales.

Rail DiscoveriesRailways of WalesTour includes a stay at the Kensington Hotel, journeys on the Welsh Highland, Ffestiniog and Llangollen Railways, a horse-drawn boat trip on the Llangollen Canal, and excursions to Portmeirion Village and Caernarfon Castle. Save up to £30pp when booking on or before 15th August 2017. More details Railways of Wales.

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It was at delightfully named Peachland in British Columbia, that I knew I was hooked. Sitting on a folding chair, ham salad on lap, gazing out across tranquil Okanagan Lake, surrounded by mountains, the early summer sun shining, all was right with the world. Our motorhome waited patiently in the lay-by, ready at any moment to take us further on our journey across Canada. But for now, we sat and enjoyed the view and appreciated the simple pleasure of lunch al fresco on the journey of a lifetime.

Enjoying the view

Prior to the Canada Road Trip, I had never driven anything bigger than the school mini-bus and very little experience of motorhome travel. My grandfather had an old Bedford campervan but never took us on trips in it. I’d been on a couple of caravan holidays when I was a teenager; in those days caravans were fairly basic and I remember the rain dripping in through the roof on a stormy night in Wales. More recently I’d travelled to Cornwall in a friend’s campervan on a family holiday but we’d not stayed in it. Though a VW campervan is synonymous with cool surf-dudes, I had a bias against caravans and motorhomes, thinking they were a bit fuddy-duddy, for ‘oldies’ and definitely not ‘my thing’.

VW Campervan at Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show

Rocky the RV changed all that. Photographer Ali Bailey and I travelled over 3,000 miles from Vancouver to Calgary via the Rockies, in a Cruise Canada RV (Recreational Vehicle) and felt so attached to our motorhome that we gave him (oh yes,) a name. What I loved was taking everything with us, not having to unpack and pack every night, being able to stop in the middle of nowhere and rustle up a meal (or use the loo) and the cosiness of having our own ‘home on the road’.

Eating out in the Rockies

I was nervous about driving such a big vehicle but surprisingly quickly got used to it and by the end of the trip was actually enjoying it. We stayed at some lovely campgrounds; Canada is well set up for motorhome sites, which are usually ‘fully-serviced’ ie with electricity, water and sewage connections. They’re also very convivial places. Highlights included waking up on our first morning to a glorious sunrise over Osoyoos Lake – our pitch was on the water’s edge. Chatting to the ‘good ol boys’ from mid-west America about the upcoming elections beside Osoyoos Lake, eating kebabs and burgers cooked on our BBQ in Jasper, waking up to hear elk wandering around outside the motorhome and drinking beer as sun set over the Rockies in Banff.

Motorhome holiday memories

Since returning to the UK I’ve been extremely envious of anyone who owns a motorhome … Two of my best friends bought one a couple of years ago and rave about the freedom of the road and the fun they have getting away as often as possible. They’re fanatical cyclists and simply strap the bikes to the back of the ‘van’ and off they go. So when I got an invite to this year’s Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC Birmingham I leapt at the opportunity. Five halls crammed full of every kind of caravan, motorhome, campervan, tent, holiday home and accessories you could ever wish for.

The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show

On the first day of the show, the ‘Caravan Club’, founded in 1907, announced its brand new name, ‘The Caravan and Motorhome Club‘, in line with the increased interest and motorhome ownership in the UK and around the world. Chairman Grenville Chamberlain explained, “We’re responding to today’s market and becoming more inclusive whilst retaining our core values and heritage.” Marketing Director Harvey Alexander was clearly very excited about the changes. “Our new logo and name reflect the evolving nature of the club. It may take some members time to get used to the change but so the overall response has been incredibly positive.” Everyone I spoke to thought it was an excellent idea and would will encourage more people to join ‘the biggest touring community in Europe’.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club

I think it’s a very positive move. As a recent convert to motorhome holidays, I can vouch for the pleasure to be had taking a luxurious ‘home from home’ on the road and choosing different places to stay along the way. Find out more about The Caravan and Motorhome Club here.

The ‘Arctic Adventure’ Caravan

As I was leaving the show, I had a quick look at the #ArcticAdventure Caravan. It will soon be setting off to the Arctic Circle, 5,000 miles through 12 countries in just over two weeks. Now that really is quirky travel. Wonder if they need a travel blogger to go with them …

Take a look inside our Motorhome

I can hear you scoffing at the question, “Is this the Golden Age of Travel?” You might be about to face the joys of a 21st century airport departure, with its lengthy queues, invasive security checks, draconian baggage limits and garish shopping malls. You’re herded onto a packed plane, squashed into a narrow seat next to a screaming child and served plastic food on a plastic tray with a plastic bottle of wine poured into a plastic cup. On arrival, there may well be stringent visa and passport controls and the hassle of getting the right transport to your destination.

Gare de Lyon Paris

Maybe you’ll be ‘letting the train take the strain’ as you travel through the UK, across north America or down to the Mediterranean, sitting in some soulless waiting room, squashed into a lumpy seat, or worse still, standing in a luggage filled aisle, eating an uninspiring sandwich with a can of luke warm lager, whilst a family squabble at the table behind you. An unintelligible voice announces heaven knows what as you whizz through grimy towns and dull countryside.

Ferry across The Channel

Perhaps you are getting a ferry to France at the start of the summer holidays, along with thousands of other travellers keen to escape headlong to pastures new and warmer in the same crowded ship. You sit in an over-stuffed car, getting over-heated as you wait for your passports to be scrutinised by an unsmiling official. On board, if you are lucky, you’ll find a seat and pray for a smooth crossing with nobody throwing up.

But was it so great in the past? Well, yes, airport travel was less stressful, with smaller airports, shorter queues and faster boarding times. We’ve all seen pictures of smartly attired BOAC air hostesses with charming smiles and glasses of champagne tending passengers with great solicitude. A friendly pilot wanders through the cabin chatting to all and sundry whilst some lucky child or aviation enthusiast gets to sit in the cockpit as the plane lands. (Anyone seen the wonderful spoof movie Airplane!?)

Marlene Dietrich SS Bremen

Black and white films show ticker-tape arrivals and departures of movie stars draped in expensive furs and sporting caps at jaunty angles aboard luxury cruise liners. We admire beautiful lounges decorated with priceless works of art and restaurants serving haute cuisine and watch elegant passengers dressed in linen playing deck quoits or relaxing in steamer chairs in the afternoon sunshine.

Railway enthusiasts extol the glories of the ‘Age of Steam’ embodied in the idyllic scene described in the poem ‘Adlestrop’ where a steam train stops briefly at an English station on sunny June day. We may remember travelling on one of these mighty machines with their smooth wooden interiors and cheerful ticket inspectors, enjoying the steam and yes, even the smuts in the eye. That wonderful classic movie ‘Brief Encounter’ sums up the romance of a more innocent time long gone. Who hasn’t dreamt of travelling in comfort and ultimate luxury, though possibly without the drama of a ‘Murder on the Orient Express’!

As with everything, there are pros and cons to travel today compared with yesteryear, as you can see in this excellent article by Expedia on the Golden Age of Travel. I have been fortunate enough to fly in a WW2 Dakota – great fun if rather noisy and bumpy – and enjoyed a glass of bubbly as I zoomed across Switzerland on the Glacier Express. I’ve experienced timeless luxury on a Cunard cruise (and yes, there was a croquet lawn on board) but I’ve also been stuck on nightmare cheap flights, stayed in lousy hotels, had people throw up on me during a nightmare ferry journey and had to sit on a train carriage floor from London to Birmingham. However, for all the drawbacks of modern travel, it’s safer, faster, cheaper and available to a lot more people. I’d say that though today may not be the ultimate Golden Age of Travel, it is at the very least silver-gilt, or maybe even gold-plated … What do you think?

This article was inspired by Expedia’s ‘Golden Age of Travel’ post (see link above).

It’s well-known that the most stressful part of a holiday or business travel for most people is the time spent getting to the airport then dawdling in lengthy queues for check-in and security, whilst we wonder if we will ever actually get on the plane. Here are a few simple tips for a stress-free airport experience.

1. Check in online

These days some airlines insist you check in online and nearly all offer the option. If you don’t travel independently very often you may not have done this before. It is relatively easy and ensures you get not only a guaranteed seat but also save (a bit) of time at the airport. Do look at the requirements on your airline ticket as there are sometimes specific times when you can/can’t book.

2. Organise your luggage before you go

Get the lightest luggage you can, label it clearly and make sure you have a padlock. If it’s black or other popular colour tie a red ribbon or other marker on it so you can find it easily on the luggage carousel. With so many restrictions on what you can and can’t take on board it pays to sort out hand luggage out before you leave home. Put liquids (100ml and under), make-up etc into a small, transparent bag; I use a ziploc sandwich bag. Put it at the top of your hand luggage, easy to get at when you need to show it. Keep passport and tickets together in a safe compartment. A Kindle or other electronic reading device (plus charger) might be useful. Wet wipes, tissues, pen, perfume, mints, camera, phone … Organise your bag so you know where everything is. You don’t have to take a proper flight case but a big handbag/bag means you’ve got plenty of space for last-minute purchases from Duty Free.

3. Leave home early

Yes, it’s blindingly obvious but we all know about best laid plans, mice and men. It really does pay dividends to leave home early and make sure you get to the airport on time (usually 2 hours before) if not earlier. If you’re travelling by public transport get the earlier train/bus/coach for peace of mind. If you’re travelling by car there are plenty of things that can go wrong, from breakdown to traffic jams. I remember a nightmare drive to Gatwick for a flight to Greece. We had a puncture on the dual carriageway and spent about an hour changing a tyre on the hard shoulder whilst cars whizzed past dangerously close. We missed our flight and had to pay for another one the next day. Lesson learnt!

4. Stay in an airport hotel the night before

Even better than having to rush to the airport, this really is one of the best ways to avoid travel-related stress. Book into a hotel on, or very near the airport and you will be able to enjoy the whole experience much more. Yes, it will cost more money but there are some really good deals and they usually include free parking so it could actually save you money. Plus you’ll get a good night’s sleep and wake refreshed, however early your flight. You can read about my Radisson Blu airport hotel stay here.

5. Keep calm whilst you queue

If you’re lucky enough to have Priority Boarding or are travelling First Class, you may avoid some of the hassle of check-in security. However, unless you’re very rich, famous or a member of the royal family, the chances are you will have to stand in line and submit to being made to feel like a petty criminal. Don’t stress. You know it’s going to happen so accept it as part of the trip – hopefully the worst part. Chat to others, think about your holiday, plan your business meeting, text/email friends, read a book – anything to pass the time whilst you shuffle your way into the Departure Lounge.

6. Use the VIP Airport Lounge

You can get various special offers on Airport Lounge passes either for one-off or annual trips. They usually have comfortable seating, daily newspapers, places to work, free wifi and complimentary refreshments and are a really great way to relax before your flight. If you have children, some have an age restriction so do check that beforehand.

7. Go shopping

The days of really great prices in airport shopping may be over but you can still enjoy a bit of retail therapy whilst you’re waiting for your flight. If you’re flying outside the EU you DO get Duty Free rates and you can also claim back tax in some countries. Electronics and camera equipment may be better value. If you know what you want, you can always look up the price online before you buy. For lots more useful and fun ideas check out cheapflights 52 Things to do at the Airport infographic.

8. Leave plenty of time to get to the Departure Gate

If you’re flying from an international airport the Departure Gate may be a long way from the main lounges and shops. Do keep an eye on the Announcement Board and give yourself plenty of time to get to your Gate. I well remember running like mad along seemingly endless corridors and slow travelators with a 5 year old in tow at Palma airport, only just boarding in time.

9. Don’t rush to board the plane

If you’ve already booked your plane seat, you don’t need to leap up as soon as your flight is called. The chances are they will call families first so if you have children you’ll be able to board early anyway. If not, then avoid standing for ages whilst hundreds of people jostle and push to get into their seats. As long as you’re at the (correct) Departure Gate the plane won’t be taking off without you so make the most of your seat, assuming you have one, and join the queue as it gets close to the desk.

This article was written in association with cheapflights. Hopefully these top tips will help you to enjoy your airport experience stress-free. Do leave a comment and share your own tips here 🙂

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Exploring Switzerland by train has to be one of the best ways to see this perfect country. Yes, it has excellent motorways and roads but rail travel is a pleasure and often quicker than by car or coach. In winter a large area of the country is covered in snow, but unlike the UK, where a light dusting brings the country to a panicky standstill, Switzerland trains continue to run like clockwork, as you’d expect here.

The Matterhorn train from the Glacier Express

One of the most memorable rail journeysI ever did was from Carnforth to Interlaken then up the mighty Jungfrau on its tiny 100 year old train, on the luxurious Glacier Express to Saint Moritz and finally on to Zurich. There was snow everywhere, the sun shone nearly all the time and picture-postcard scenery surrounded us on all sides.

View from 1st class carriage of Glacier Express

Here is how I did this spectacular railway journey through some of the most impressive scenery in Switzerland.

From Interlaken to the Jungfrau

Interlaken – image MySwitzerland.com

Interlaken was once a popular health resort for the rich Europeans, situated between the lakes of Thun and Brienz. Lord Byron stayed at the Hotel Interlaken (in 1816) as did the composers Mendelssohn and Schumann.

Hotel Interlaken

British visitors put it at the heart of the Swiss tourist map in the early 20th century and that legacy can be seen in the big old hotels that can be found around the town. Embraced by jagged mountains, with a wide open meadow to preserve the view, the Jungfrau towers over Interlaken, enticing all to ascend its peak.

From Interlaken Ost you can take a circular route up to the Jungfrau. We left the lakeside city in one of the distinctive yellow and blue carriages of the narrow-gauge Bernese Oberland Bahnen (BOB) and tootled off between the lakes and up through the attractive Lauterbrunnen Valley. I took photos from the train, as the scene became more Alpine by the minute.

View of Lauterbrunnen Valley from train

At Lauterbrunnen Station we crossed the platform to join the Wengeralp-Bahn (WAB) train and off on the narrow rack railway that winds its cheery way up to Wengen, a busy ski resort at 1274m. The most spectacular piste of the region is without doubt the Lauberhorn piste near Wengen, popularised by the World Cup.

There are no roads up here so all the trains are equipped to take skis, snowboards, equipment and luggage. As we climbed ever higher the imposing Bernese Alps loomed over us. As well as the monastic Monch (Monk) 4,099m and splendid Jungfrau, 4,158m. we got a fantastic view of the 3,970m Eiger from the Jungfrau train.

The Jungfrau-Bahn and the world’s highest railway station

At Kleine Scheidegg 2,061m, magnet for skiers, walkers and mountain climbers drawn by the lure of the high Alps, we transferred to the historic Jungfrau-Bahn (Jungfrau Railway) with its quaint wooden carriages. The building of the world’s highest railway line and station was a 19th century masterpiece of logistical planning and construction. It opened on August 1st, 1912 and has to be one of the great railway journeys in the world and the jewel in Switzerland’s railway crown. We were fortunate to be there in the centenary year and caught a glimpse of the original 100 year old train from the window.

Jungfrau train 100 years old

After trundling up the steep mountain track we entered a very long tunnel (7,122m) with enormous viewing windows. Everyone got out at the Eiger Wall for a fantastic view of the famous North Face and then at Eismeer (Sea of Ice), where the glaciers of Grindelwald and Fiesch flow in sinuous icy splendour.

Swiss Alps Glacier from Jungfrau viewing window

The Jungfrauhoch station, hewn from inside the mountain, brings a frisson of excitement as people disembark into the heart of the mountain. I immediately felt the impact of the altitude as breathing became more difficult and walking was like trudging through treacle. Cut into the glacier is the Ice Palace, with impressive ice sculptures.Lifts take passengers to the Visitor Centre with its Information Centre, cinema, art gallery, shops and restaurants.

Beer on the Jungfrau

Once we had acclimatised we went outside up to Viewing Platform and the Sphinx International Research Station. Apparently Europe’s highest grid-connected solar power plant is situated here too. Icy fresh air cleared our lungs; it’s cold up on the top all year round so warm clothes are essential.

JUNGFRAUJOCH Top of Europe – photo Jungfrau railways by swiss-image.ch

We were lucky; there can be cloud up here so if you are planning a visit do check the visibility. We got marvellous views of the mountain tops and UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch National Park. The return journey took us back via the cosmopolitan village of Grindelwald, the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau region, surrounded by a commanding mountainscape with the Eiger North Face and the Wetterhorn.

Returning to Interlaken is to come back down to earth after being in another world, where railways and nature combine to give visitors “one of the most sensational experiences in Switzerland” Switzerland by Train – JMP Guides. This journey from Interlaken to the Jungfrau is detailed in an excellent book for all railway fans ‘Great Railway Journeys of Europe’ Insight Guides.